Access to finance

While most Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have access to the finance they need, there are still some businesses in Scotland that are unable to access finance, or are not trying to.

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, most SMEs have been using external finance less and focusing on remaining debt-free.

We want to make it easier for SMEs to access finance so that they can use it to support jobs and achieve growth, in both the short and long term.

We are doing this by:

• continuing to provide equity investment through the Scottish Investment Bank and private sector partners to allow early-stage, innovative companies to access risk capital
• introducing a £40 million SME Holding Fund, operational from October 2016, to provide additional investment to SMEs, by dispersing European Regional Development Funds through appointed delivery partners in the public and private sector

We promote financial best practice between businesses by encouraging all SMEs to sign up to the voluntary Prompt Payment Code.

Information on all the financial assistance available to businesses in Scotland can be found on mygov.scot.